How to Clean a Burnt Microwave: Tips for a Spotless Appliance
Cleaning a burnt microwave can be a daunting task. Whether you’ve left your dinner in too long, burned a snack, or spilled something in the oven, know that the mess is not permanent! While the inside of your microwave may have seen better days, a few simple steps and supplies can help you get it looking like new.
This guide will walk you through how to remove any tough stains, smells, and gunk from the interior of your microwave using common household items. Armed with knowledge, patience and proper safety precautions (such as unplugging and wearing protective clothing) you will have your microwave sparkling clean in no time.
Safety Precautions
Before attempting to clean a burnt microwave, it is important to consider safety:
- Always unplug the unit before you begin.
- If any repairs or replacements are necessary, these should only be performed by a qualified person.
- Wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment, such as eyewear, rubber gloves, and long-sleeved shirt while attempting this task.
- In addition, ensure that any cleaning agents and materials you use are safe for use in a microwave oven.
- Finally, make sure the room is well-ventilated to avoid fume inhalation.
Supplies Needed
Cleaning a burnt microwave isn’t as difficult as it may seem. It is important to obtain the right supplies to make the cleaning process easier. Here is a list of supplies you will need to clean a burnt microwave:
- Sponge
- Dish soap
- Clean cloth or rag
- Baking soda
- White vinegar
- Dryer sheets (optional)
The sponge should be used for gently scrubbing away stuck on debris and dirt inside the microwave. Dish soap makes it easier for the thicker grime to come off and also gives the inside of your microwave an overall clean feeling after cleaning. The baking soda and vinegar will produce a foam that can easily remove stuck on stains from food burns, melted plastic and caked on grease. Dryer sheets can be used in the same way like baking soda and vinegar to remove stubborn stains, but are gentler on surfaces.
Preparing the Microwave
Before you begin cleaning your microwave, it is important to take the necessary safety precautions. Unplug the appliance and remove removable pieces, such as glass turntables, trays and splash guards. Place these items in a sink filled with warm soapy water to soak while you clean.
Once the microwave is empty, use a damp microfiber cloth or paper towel soaked in a solution of equal parts vinegar and water to wipe down the microwave’s interior walls. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or rough sponges that may scratch or damage the surface of your appliance. Instead, focus on gently scouring away any tough areas of food debris or residue.
After wiping down your microwave’s walls, remove all larger debris from crevices and corners using a soft bristled brush dipped in the above mentioned vinegar solution. Rinse off any remaining cleaning residue with a clean wet cloth wrung out so it’s only damp—never wet—to avoid damaging the electrical component inside your microwave. Make sure to clean the door seals as well by running your finger along each side to detect any food particles that may have become lodged there over time.
Cleaning the Microwave
Cleaning a burnt microwave can seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and technique, you can get your microwave looking and smelling like new again in no time. To begin, you’ll need a few items. First, you’ll need some white vinegar or lemon juice; this will help to break down tough food stains. You’ll also need some baking soda and a damp microfiber cloth.
To start cleaning the microwave, start by unmolding any dried food residues that may have boiled over during cooking and place them into a cardboard box or garbage bag for disposal. Next, mix equal parts vinegar or lemon juice with water in a bowl or jar until it is sudsy. Dip your microfiber cloth into the mixture then use it to wipe away stains from the inside of your microwave – be sure to use long strokes in one direction for maximum effectiveness. For tougher residues such as baked-on grease that resist wiping away, pour baking soda onto the microfiber cloth and gently scrub these areas until they easily wipe away.
For added convenience, microwaves often come equipped with their own self-cleaning features such as “Steam Cleaning” which emit steam inside the unit for facilitated cleaning of any residual food debris left within hard-to-reach places. Lastly, always unplug any appliance before starting any cleaning project and wait at least 15 minutes after using your appliance before attempting to clean it – this gives fragrant dishes time cool down and improves safety while working around hot items when saying goodbye to all those caked on messes!
Removing Tough Stains
When there are tough, burnt stains on the surface of the microwave that just won’t come off, try using a paste made from baking soda and water. Apply it on all charred surfaces with a damp sponge then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. After it has had time to settle into the residue, use a fresh damp cloth to wipe away the charred and baked gunk.
If you have any hard-to-remove spots, consider pouring white vinegar onto them, leaving it to sit overnight, and then scrubbing away any bits still clinging the next day. Repeat this process until all built up grease and grime has been dissolved away.
Maintaining a Clean Microwave
The best way to prevent your microwave from becoming dirty is to practice proper maintenance techniques. Cleaning your microwave regularly with a damp cloth is enough to keep the surface and interior sparkling and free of stains. Make it a habit to take a few minutes each week to eliminate any food residue or spills that could create an unpleasant odor in yours.
More frequent cleaning may be necessary if you cook smoky foods such as bacon or burn something in your microwave such as melted cheese. Try using a combination of baking soda and water in this instance – spread the mixture over any charred bits and allow it to sit for at least five minutes before wiping clean.
Taking care not to overcrowd the microwave helps reduce splatters and messes, making regular maintenance easier. Avoid heating foods with high oil content, as these tend to produce more smoke than other types of dishes, with the potential for more stubborn residue. Additionally, always make sure to cover any food before microwaving – this will help trap steam within during cooking, which causes less mess outside of your unit!
Conclusion
It’s important to remember that a burnt microwave requires special care and updated safety precautions. Cleaning a microwave that has been affected by burning can take some extra effort and patience, but it is possible to restore it back to good condition.
- Start by unplugging the appliance and allowing any smoke to dissipate before attempting to clean the inside of the appliance.
- Use a combination of vinegar, baking soda and warm water to remove residue from the walls as well as larger pieces of food or debris from the bottom tray.
- Replace your charred mug or glass receptacle with a new pizza cooking tray or cake stoneware.
- Finally, put your appliance back together and enjoy microwavable meals again!
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: How do I clean a burnt microwave?
Answer 1: To clean a burnt microwave, start by removing any burnt food from the interior of the microwave. Next, fill a bowl with 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of vinegar and place it in the microwave. Heat the bowl in the microwave for 5 minutes and then let it sit for 10 minutes. This will help to loosen any burnt residue. After 10 minutes, wipe down the inside of the microwave with a damp cloth. Finally, clean the door, handle, and exterior of the microwave with a mild detergent.
Question 2: What can I use to clean a burnt microwave?
Answer 2: You can use a vinegar and water solution to help loosen any burnt residue. You can also use a mild detergent to clean the exterior of the microwave. For tougher spots, you can use a non-abrasive scrubbing pad.
Question 3: How often should I clean my microwave?
Answer 3: You should clean your microwave at least once a month. This will help to prevent any build-up of grease, food, or other debris that could cause your microwave to malfunction.
